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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/19/1999 Work Session . MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY, JULY 19, 1999 The city of Springfield council met in work session in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, July 19, 1999, at 6;00 p.m., with Mayor Maine presiding. ATTENDANCE Present were Mayor Maine, Councilors Ballew, Fitch, Hatfield, Leiken, Lundberg and Simmons. Also present were Acting City Manager Frank Hotchkiss, City Attorney Joe Leahy, Senior Management Analyst Rosie Pryor, City Recorder Julie Wilson, Library Department employees and members ofthe staff. 1. Library Long-Range Planning Committee (LLRPC) Final Report to Council. Mary Clare Feighan, LLRPC member introduced this item. The LLRPC has completed its work, and is presenting to the Council its plan for the improvement of public library services to the citizens of Springfield. . The LLRPC is a group of citizens appointed by the Springfield Public Library Board, with the approval of Council. Between October of 1998 and May of 1999, the Committee met twice a month, to develop a plan for the future of public library services in. Springfield. The Committee is appearing at the'work session to presentthisplan to CounciHor approval, and. to answer any questions.. The members of the LLRPC are: Stan Paine, Chair Al Monce, Vice-Chair James Britt Dan Egan Mary Clare Feighan Maureen Maine, Mayor, Ian Manclark Chris Pryor Gayle Sheller MargaretSkrivseth Helen Storbeck Dorothy Velasco Stan Paine, Chair of LLRPC, provided information regarding program services, efficiency and evaluation of library services. He also discussed the importance of library access. He discussed the importance of knowing what patron needs are. Mr. Russell answered questions from council regarding membership, Glenwood residents, staffing level, and budget issues. . Dan Egan, LLRPC member, provided information regarding Springfield community characteristics, population and referenced many people who are not served by the Springfield Work Session Meeting July 19, 1999 Page 2 . Library. He further discussed population projections and associated needs to serve the community. He also discussed Appendix D of the staff report, page 25. Information provided related to the city examining in detail the feasibility of creating an independent Springfield Library Service District, with boundaries of the Springfield School District. The advantages and disadvantages were also discussed. Mr. Egan answered questions from council regarding other special districts. Mr. Russell and Finance Director Bob Duey answered questions and provided information regarding special districts. Mr. Russell reviewed Appendix E regarding the cost to implement committee recommendations for 1-3 year service enhancements. Councilor Ballew said she thought the projected expenses for a special district were estimated much lower than she thought the actual cost would be. Library Director Bob Russell discussed the Libary staff role in implementing the long-range plan. She said there are things in the plan that staff can work on without waiting for funding opportunities. He discussed the formation of a Library Foundation. Councilor Fitch said she supported working toward increasing library service hours. Councilor Smmons asked about visually impaired patrons and staff provided information on this matter. Information was also provided regarding Spanish speaking patrons. . Councilor Simmons was supportive of exploring the advantages and disadvantages of a special district. He referenced a study conducted regarding this issue. He also discussed library grants and other opportunities. Councilor Lundberg supported further exploring a special district. She acknowledged the efforts of the committee and the report they presented to council. Councilor Hatfield appreciated the report. He said he supported a preliminary look at a special district and an increase in library hours. Mayor Maine discussed the plan and acknowledged the efforts made by the committee. She said she would like to be able to expand services to the Latino population. She encouraged approval and acceptance of the plan and a preliminary look at advantages and disadvantages of a special district. Council provided consensus to obtain additional information regarding this issue. Mayor Maine discussed Appendix E. She asked what that would look like if the plan were phased in, over three years. . Work Session Meeting July 19, 1999 Page 3 . ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Minutes Recorder - Julie Wilson ~~~ Maureen M. Maine Mayor Attest: . ~W~ Ju i Wilson City Recorder . .